Maria Bamford’s in Town
What: Wits Reunion Show feat. Maria Bamford
When: Friday, Oct. 1, doors open 7 p.m.
Where: The Fitzgerald Theater, 10 E. Exchange St., St. Paul
First Avenue is set to host the Wits Reunion Show at the Fitzgerald Theater, featuring Duluth-native comedian Maria Bamford, host John Moe, and singer-songwriter Josh Ritter. Wits is a locally based radio show that combines music, comedy, and conversation.
En Español on Tour
What: An Evening with the Mavericks
When: Friday, Oct. 1, 8 p.m.
Where: State Theatre, 805 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis
Grab your cowboy boots and enjoy an evening of Latin-American fusion music with The Mavericks as the En Español world tour arrives in Minneapolis at the State Theatre. As one of the top country groups in 2021, it promises to be a night to remember featuring their old hits and songs from their newest album, En Español.
Dance and Fundraising at the Cowles
What: Decadance: Fall Benefit
When: Friday, Oct. 1, 5-7 p.m.
Where: The Cowles Center,
In order to celebrate its 10th anniversary as a Minneapolis dance hub, the Cowles Center is hosting a fundraiser, both in person and virtually. The two-hour benefit will provide guests with a custom Cowles box of decadent desserts to enjoy while watching a lineup of local dance companies perform. The performances are followed by optional dinner at neighboring Gluek’s Restaurant & Bar, which plans to donate 10% of dinner sales to the center.
Jack-o’-Lanterns at the Zoo
What: Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
When: Friday, Oct. 1-Nov. 7, 7 p.m.
Where: Minnesota Zoo, 13000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley
Just in time to kick off the spooky season, this jaw-dropping display of jack-o’-lanterns returns this weekend for its third year at the Minnesota Zoo. Take a trip through thousands of expertly carved pumpkins as they light up the night, featuring some familiar faces and iconic designs that everyone will love. (See some highlights from 2019 here.)
A New Twin Cities Convention
What: Twin Cities Con
When: Saturday, Oct. 2, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 3, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 Second Ave. S., Minneapolis
Twin Cities Con is making its debut this weekend at the Minneapolis Convention Center to celebrate some of pop culture’s favorite comics, toys, TV, film, art, cosplay, and games. Fans of all ages can enjoy themed activities, Q&A sessions with big names in the pop-cultureverse (John Barrowman, Robin Lord Taylor, Leah Clark, Charles Martinet), merchandise, and more.
Bloody Marys at Union Depot
What: Bloody Mary Festival
When: Saturday, Oct. 2, 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Union Depot, St. Paul
This weekend marks the third annual Bloody Mary Festival hosted at Union Depot in St. Paul, featuring Bloody Marys with all kinds of toppings. Put your taste-testing skills to use with a long lineup of gourmet beverages and vote for your favorite concoction.
Midtown Oktoberfest
What: Oktoberfest at Midtown Global Market
When: Saturday, Oct. 2, noon-4 p.m.
Where: Midtown Global Market, 920 E. Lake St., Minneapolis
Midtown Global Market is set to host Oktoberfest this weekend, with festivities featuring all things German, from German-themed food and beer to entertainment (accordion playing, storytelling), art, and gifts, plus an appearance by the German-American Institute.
Comedy at Mystic Lake
What: Bill Burr at Mystic Lake
When: Saturday, Oct. 2, 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Where: Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd., Prior Lake
Mystic Lake Casino maintains its reputation for top-tier entertainment with the two-show appearance of comedian Bill Burr this weekend. The Grammy-nominated stand-up has been featured in such shows and films as The Mandalorian, Breaking Bad, The Heat, and Daddy’s Home.
Capri’s Weeklong Celebration
What: Capri Grand Opening Week
When: Oct. 3-10
Where: The Capri Theater, 2027 W. Broadway, Minneapolis
The nonprofit-owned theater in Minneapolis’ Northside opens its expanded, renovated theater this weekend. Check out the weeklong programming of music, tours, a showing of Questlove’s debut documentary Summer of Soul, and more.